net neutrality

net neutrality

(NETwork neutrality) A uniform playing field for Internet transport. Net neutrality is the absence of restrictions placed on the transmission of content by the major ISPs that provide service to millions of homes and offices. It means all packets are delivered on a first-come, first-served basis regardless from where they originated. Net neutrality became an issue as ISPs began to carry more movie streaming and voice traffic from competitors that delivered the same services they offered.

A Very Contentious Topic Since its inception, the Internet has leveled the playing field for all participants. However, major ISPs such as Verizon, AT&T and Comcast have lobbied the FCC to be able to charge a website based on traffic. Although it might seem reasonable to charge sites that disseminate huge amounts of content, Internet users already pay ISPs for access. In addition, proponents warn about the implications down the road if net neutrality were abandoned. For example, owners of all websites might be forced to pay extra fees to prevent their content from bogging down in a low-priority delivery queue.

The July 2010 issue of "The Hightower Lowdown" said: "Forget the technology, net neutrality is about democracy itself-- the latest battleground in our nation's historic struggle for freedom of speech, a free press, and the free flow of information that We the People must have if, in fact, we are to be self-governing."

The Rulings In 2010, the Open Internet Order of the FCC ruled that carriers cannot block or interfere with traffic because it conflicts with their financial goals. However, in 2014, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the order, stating that the FCC did not prove it had the legal authority to enforce such rules. Later in 2014, the FCC proposed allowing ISPs to create pay-to-play fast lanes; however, that was abandoned after a huge public outcry.

In February 2015, the FCC voted to regulate Internet service as a public utility. Based on certain provisions in Title II of the Communications Act, the new rules treat both wired and wireless Internet connections as a telecom service rather than an information service. No sooner was the ink dry that members of Congress who favor the ISPs' position began to propose legislation to counter the new ruling. Stay tuned! For more information, visit www.SaveTheInternet.com. See dumb network and Freedom to Connect.

Net neutrality is woven into the fabric of our internet, and its a reason why weve seen innovation thats benefited businesses, consumers, students, and anyone who uses the internet in Minnesota and across the country.

The concept of net neutrality will continue to exist after the Restoring Internet Freedom Order goes into effect in April, but the FCC's ability to enforce it will be gone, as the new rule undoes the ISP classification and strips the FCC of its regulatory power over the companies.

ITEM: The Verge jumped into the fray of doomsday reporting on the death of net neutrality with two reports--both dated December 14--under the headlines "The FCC just killed net neutrality" and "Whatpublic libraries will lose without net neutrality.

Supported by the fundamental principal that internet is a public good, net neutrality ensured that consumers were accorded uniform access to information on the internet regardless of their ISP, as well as protected against differential pricing.

Without net neutrality regulations, internet service providers could prioritize access to certain websites over others, charging consumers or companies more to guarantee fast access to certain pages and slowing access to others.

New Delhi [India], November 29 ( ANI ): The Broadband India Forum (BIF) on Wednesday welcomed the recently released recommendations by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Net Neutrality, emphasizing that the organization supports open internet.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Donald Trump Administration led by Chairman Ajit Pai submitted a final draft proposal yesterday to repeal the existing net neutrality laws put in force by the Obama administration in 2015.

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